American Community Survey, U.S. Census Bureau, 2017, www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/

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Whether you're interested in starting, changing, or growing your career, earning a degree through an online college in New Hampshire can prepare you for one of the state's growing employment sectors, such as health care, education, or professional and technical services. And the flexibility of distance education means you can work on your degree while still maintaining your current part- or full-time job and honoring other commitments, like family.

There are more than a dozen accredited online colleges in New Hampshire. Let's take a closer look at them.

New Hampshire participates in three Complete College America's initiatives — 15 to Finish, Math Pathways, and Corequisite Support — as a way to meet its goal: 65 percent of adults 25 and older will have earned a postsecondary credential by 2025. Another way it aims to boost educational attainment is through the Dual Admission program, which allows students to pay one application fee, enroll at a community college, and also be admitted to the public university system.

We hope the following information can help you select an online college in New Hampshire that's right for you. Below you'll see the top 10 colleges in New Hampshire as well as financial aid resources specific to the state.

What Makes a Good Online College in New Hampshire?

Here at OnlineColleges.com, we've created multiple rankings to help students in their search for the best online college in New Hampshire. Each school in these rankings was selected using a wide range of carefully selected data, and only schools that have been accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency were considered. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges is the primary accrediting agency in New Hampshire. However, other national and programmatic accreditation agencies can be valid in the Granite State, such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. To check whether or not a school's accreditation is valid in New Hampshire, students can view the New Hampshire Department of Education.

Our rankings are more than just a number. The data we use is gathered from government sources, and we carefully select data points that can help to paint a picture of the online college experience. Students can compare the data that helped each school earn its position, such as the number of online programs offered, the percentage of distance learners at the school and the cost of in-state tuition. Visit the "What Makes a Good Online College?" section of our "About Us" page to learn why OnlineColleges.com considers these factors to be important to online education.

Best Online Universities in New Hampshire for 2018-19

We created this ranking of the best online colleges in New Hampshire to help students understand the rich options for online study in the Granite State. Using our unique methodology (details at the bottom of this page), we analyzed data provided by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) for this list, looking at factors such as acceptance rate and net price. If you'd like to make your own rankings in this vein, our Top Colleges Tool can help you do so.

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Methodology

1

Southern New Hampshire University

Tuition & Fees/YearTuition and fees per year refers to the average in-state tuition and required fees for full-time undergraduates and, if applicable, graduate students as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

$31,136

Distance Education Participation Distance Education Participation refers to the percentage of students taking either some or all of the courses via distance education, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

93%

Number of Programs OfferedNumber of programs offered refers to the count of degrees and certificates offered via distance education at any level as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

106

School Type

4-year

An enormous percentage of students at Southern New Hampshire University are taking at least one online course. SNHU has responded to this demand by offering a similarly enormous number of online online degree programs, with a multitude of optional concentrations to sweeten the deal. Areas of study include:

Art & design

Business

Education

Health care

Law & criminal justice

Associate degree programs from SNHU require 60 credits to complete, while bachelor's programs require 120 credits. Degree programs at SNHU are favorable to transfer students — up to 45 approved credits can be transferred into associate programs, while as many as 90 can be applied to bachelor's programs.

Granite State College, Concord

Tuition & Fees/YearTuition and fees per year refers to the average in-state tuition and required fees for full-time undergraduates and, if applicable, graduate students as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

$7,593

Distance Education Participation Distance Education Participation refers to the percentage of students taking either some or all of the courses via distance education, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

88%

Number of Programs OfferedNumber of programs offered refers to the count of degrees and certificates offered via distance education at any level as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

39

School Type

4-year

Granite State College, one of the four members of the University System of New Hampshire, has campus locations throughout central and southeastern New Hampshire. Despite this, however, more than three-quarters of all students enrolled at the college in 2016-17 took at least one online course. Potential areas of study include:

Technology management

Communication studies

Digital media

Transfer students are in good hands at Granite State, where they can submit military training and/or prior work experience to shorten total length of study time in one of the college's many programs. Up to 90 approved college credits can be transferred into a 120-credit bachelor's degree program, and up to 44 credits into a 60-credit associate degree path.

Rivier University, Nashua

Tuition & Fees/YearTuition and fees per year refers to the average in-state tuition and required fees for full-time undergraduates and, if applicable, graduate students as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

$31,090

Distance Education Participation Distance Education Participation refers to the percentage of students taking either some or all of the courses via distance education, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

62%

Number of Programs OfferedNumber of programs offered refers to the count of degrees and certificates offered via distance education at any level as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

9

School Type

4-year

Rivier University is a private Catholic college founded in 1933 by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary and Sister Madeleine of Jesus. The coeducational university's mission is to combine higher education with commitment to the traditions and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Rivier University Online, the university's portal to serve distance learners, has many options for its students:

Online master's programs (i.e. business or nursing, both with multiple concentrations)

An online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program

Students who enroll in online degree programs at Rivier can receive guidance from university advisors to develop an academic plan that lays out courses and sequencing for their program. Rivier's online advisers can also help students with transfer credits and prior work experience. This is important, as Rivier accepts up to 90 transfer credits into its undergraduate degree programs.

New England College, Henniker

Tuition & Fees/YearTuition and fees per year refers to the average in-state tuition and required fees for full-time undergraduates and, if applicable, graduate students as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

$36,954

Distance Education Participation Distance Education Participation refers to the percentage of students taking either some or all of the courses via distance education, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

63%

Number of Programs OfferedNumber of programs offered refers to the count of degrees and certificates offered via distance education at any level as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

47

School Type

4-year

New England College is a private nonprofit college located in the heart of New England that boasts online programs at both the graduate and undergraduate level, in subjects from business to communication to international relations to professional writing.

Students interested in enrolling at NEC can transfer up to 90 credits into any bachelor's degree program path. Having previously earned an associate degree is not required to be admitted into the college as a transfer student. Graduate students can transfer up to eight approved credits into NEC's master's degree programs, but the final 30 credits of any master's program must be earned at New England College.

Franklin Pierce University, Rindge

Tuition & Fees/YearTuition and fees per year refers to the average in-state tuition and required fees for full-time undergraduates and, if applicable, graduate students as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

$34,995

Distance Education Participation Distance Education Participation refers to the percentage of students taking either some or all of the courses via distance education, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

32%

Number of Programs OfferedNumber of programs offered refers to the count of degrees and certificates offered via distance education at any level as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

42

School Type

4-year

Franklin Pierce College serves rural New Hampshire from its main campus at Rindge, as well as from learning centers for graduate and professional studies in Manchester, Lebanon and Portsmouth. The university supports distance learners through its Center for Academic Excellence and the Peter C. Wensberg Writing Center, as well as through its Health Services, Information Technology, and Outreach Education and Counseling departments. Distance learners at Franklin Pierce can take advantage of online degree programs such as:

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

Tuition & Fees/YearTuition and fees per year refers to the average in-state tuition and required fees for full-time undergraduates and, if applicable, graduate students as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

$18,067

Distance Education Participation Distance Education Participation refers to the percentage of students taking either some or all of the courses via distance education, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

14%

Number of Programs OfferedNumber of programs offered refers to the count of degrees and certificates offered via distance education at any level as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

7

School Type

4-year

Founded in 1866 as an agricultural and mechanical arts college, the University of New Hampshire has its main campus at Durham and an additional campus at Manchester, as well as its School of Law at Concord. The university serves distance learners through UNH Online, its portal for all Web-based educational programs. UNH Online offered 148 fully online courses for the fall of 2017, as well as multiple online programs, including two Master of Laws (LLM) programs and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.

University of New Hampshire maintains many dedicated resources to support distance learners: a 24/7 online help desk, access to the UNH Libraries and Parker Media Lab, and help with all forms of writing through the Robert J. Conners Writing Center. Most interesting, however, are the online workshops, courses and trainings hosted by the university's Professional Development & Training office, which present students with opportunities to learn and hone skills for their post-college careers.

Plymouth State University

Tuition & Fees/YearTuition and fees per year refers to the average in-state tuition and required fees for full-time undergraduates and, if applicable, graduate students as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

$13,770

Distance Education Participation Distance Education Participation refers to the percentage of students taking either some or all of the courses via distance education, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

33%

Number of Programs OfferedNumber of programs offered refers to the count of degrees and certificates offered via distance education at any level as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

6

School Type

4-year

Plymouth State University was founded in 1871 as a school for teachers, and it retains its dedication to teaching instruction to this day. It has held a Grade A rating from the American Council of Teacher Colleges since 1927, and holds the distinction of once having employed Robert Frost as a professor. It offers a selection of online master's degree programs, most of them related to education and teaching, as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science in accounting.

In addition to its fully online programs, Plymouth also allows students the option to pursue certain degree programs in a hybrid format. This includes the Doctor of Education program (and its two concentrations, higher education or learning, leadership and community) and some of the university's multiple certificate programs.

Colby-Sawyer College

Tuition & Fees/YearTuition and fees per year refers to the average in-state tuition and required fees for full-time undergraduates and, if applicable, graduate students as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

$41,186

Distance Education Participation Distance Education Participation refers to the percentage of students taking either some or all of the courses via distance education, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

14%

Number of Programs OfferedNumber of programs offered refers to the count of degrees and certificates offered via distance education at any level as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

4

School Type

4-year

Colby-Sawyer College offers a fully online RN-to-BSN program, giving registered nurses who have earned an associate degree or nursing diploma from an accredited institution the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in nursing. Students may choose to enroll full- or part-time, allowing for even further flexibility and accommodation of students' schedules.

CSC boasts that 100 percent of their students participate in at least one internship before they graduate, and each wireless campus student creates an electronic portfolio to track their progress and achievements over time. Distance learners have access to the full array of Colby-Sawyer's online services, including technical support, the library databases, career services and live, one-on-one tutoring.

Accreditation:

The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

White Mountains Community College

Tuition & Fees/YearTuition and fees per year refers to the average in-state tuition and required fees for full-time undergraduates and, if applicable, graduate students as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

$7,664

Distance Education Participation Distance Education Participation refers to the percentage of students taking either some or all of the courses via distance education, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

42%

Number of Programs OfferedNumber of programs offered refers to the count of degrees and certificates offered via distance education at any level as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

11

School Type

2-year

White Mountain Community College offers several fully online associate degree programs in accounting, criminal justice, health and wellness and more. The school also offers the option to earn certificates completely online in fields from autism education to water quality technology.

Online learners can access library resources, online tutoring, and more through the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH). Technical support via phone, live chat and self-help videos is also available 24/7.

Students should find that their online course credits can be easily transferred between CCSNH colleges, and pathways have been established for those who wish to eventually move on to a four-year institution within the University System of NH.

Accreditation:

The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) – candidate as of June 2017

Manchester Community College

Tuition & Fees/YearTuition and fees per year refers to the average in-state tuition and required fees for full-time undergraduates and, if applicable, graduate students as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

$7,232

Distance Education Participation Distance Education Participation refers to the percentage of students taking either some or all of the courses via distance education, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

30%

Number of Programs OfferedNumber of programs offered refers to the count of degrees and certificates offered via distance education at any level as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

5

School Type

2-year

At Manchester Community College, students can earn an associate degree or certificate completely online in accounting, liberal arts or management. The school also offers online and hybrid courses in a number of varied disciplines, from art and biology to education and psychology.

Online learners are afforded access to online tutoring and electronic MCC Library resources, and may contact the Advising Center for assistance as well. MCC’s Career Development and Transfer Services Office is also available, offering career guidance or assistance in transferring credits to other institutions. Finally, there is the CCSNH Online Support Center, which supplies 24/7 technical support for the class management system via phone, live chat and self-help videos.

Accreditation:

The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Affordable Online Colleges in New Hampshire for 2018-19

The following list displays several online colleges in New Hampshire with low tuition costs. Read on to learn the names of some of the most affordable accredited online colleges in New Hampshire.

To see New Hampshire schools ranked by quality and other factors, use our Top Colleges tool.

School Type - 2 Years

School Type - 4 Years

COLLEGE NAME

TUITION & FEES/YEAR

Tuition and fees per year refers to the average in-state tuition and required fees for full-time undergraduates and, if applicable, graduate students as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

DISTANCE EDUCATION PARTICIPATION

Distance Education Participation refers to the percentage of students taking either some or all of the courses via distance education, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

NUMBER OF ONLINE PROGRAMS OFFERED

Number of programs offered refers to the count of degrees and certificates offered via distance education at any level as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics..

Tuition and fees per year refers to the average in-state tuition and required fees for full-time undergraduates and, if applicable, graduate students as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

DISTANCE EDUCATION PARTICIPATION

Distance Education Participation refers to the percentage of students taking either some or all of the courses via distance education, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

NUMBER OF ONLINE PROGRAMS OFFERED

Number of programs offered refers to the count of degrees and certificates offered via distance education at any level as of 2017-18, according to the National Center for Education Statistics..

Applicants must be New Hampshire residents between the ages of 16 and 25, enrolled in college at least half-time at a New Hampshire public institution of higher learning and have a parent or parents who died while on active duty or from service-related disability.

Applicant must be a New Hampshire resident between the ages of 17 and 23 who will enroll in a four-year baccalaureate or graduate degree program at least half-time. FAFSA required. Award based on financial need.

Applicant must be a New Hampshire resident between the ages of 17 and 23 who will enroll in a four-year baccalaureate or graduate degree program at least half-time. FAFSA required. Award based on financial need.

Student Loans in New Hampshire

New Hampshire does not currently offer student any state-based loans. It's recommended that students look into all opportunities for scholarships and grants anyway, as those types of financial aid do not have to be repaid. If you still find that you are in need of financial assistance, you will need to fill out the FAFSA and supply information about your family's financial situation to qualify for federal student loans. You may also apply for loans through private lenders.

Additional Resources for Financial Aid in New Hampshire

Costs for Out-of-State Students in New Hampshire

Nothing says college quite like picturesque New England towns and their universities, fall foliage, and outstanding academics. New England residents have some fantastic choices when it comes to attending college not only in their home state, but also in another state through what's known as Tuition Break by The New England Regional Student Program. Members include Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

If you are from one of these states and want to attend college in bucolic New Hampshire, you will be able to get enroll at a public New Hampshire institution at a discount on the out-of-state tuition as long as you select a major that is not offered by a public university in your state. The program currently includes 700 graduate and undergraduate degrees.

The flagship University of New Hampshire is a popular choice for out-of-state students, as its in-state resident student rate is 44 percent, meaning 66 percent of students hail from other states. If interested in learning more about education options as an out-of-state student, be sure to speak with an adviser for more insight.

Featured Cities in New Hampshire

Data on this featured metropolitan area is sourced from the 2015 American Community Survey (census.gov).

Manchester-Nashua, NH Metro Area

+

Total Population

406,371

Median salary for high school grads

$35,142

Median salary with a bachelor's degree

$58,705

% of the population enrolled in college or grad school

27%

Median rent

$1,132

Fun Facts about Manchester

Manchester is often ranked high on lists of the cheapest places to live in the U.S. If you don't mind the bone-chilling winters, there is plenty of outdoor recreation to the north and west of Manchester. Depending on what direction you head, it is an hour’s drive to the majestic White Mountains or to the New Hampshire coast. Nashua, located in the southern part of New Hampshire, is rich in history, culture and dining. It is also only about 75 minutes from the lake-and-mountain studded Monadnock Region of southwestern New Hampshire. Mine Falls Park and SkyVenture are popular attractions in Nashua.

Article Sources

Methodology

Using the National Center for Education Statistics’ Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), we generated a list of colleges and universities that met the following criteria:

Level of institution is either "Four or more years" or "At least 2 but less than 4 years"

Data is reported for all 11 ranking variables listed in the Methodology section

At least 1% of students are taking at least some of the classes via distance education

"Number of programs offered via distance education" was an integer greater than 0

We ranked the resulting 1,813 colleges on 11 criteria, using 2016-17 data from IPEDS:

Number of programs offered via distance education

Ratio of students participating fully or partially in DE to Total Enrollment

Average in-state tuition for undergraduates

Total electronic library collections, including digital books, databases, and media

Graduation rate

Retention rate

The availability of any tuition plans (Payment, Guaranteed, Other)

Services (Academic/Career, Placement for Completers)

Credit offerings (Dual, Life, AP, Military)

Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal, state, local, institutional or other sources of grant aid

Average amount of federal, state, local, institutional, or other sources of grant aid awarded to undergraduate students

All schools were scored on a 10-point scale for each of the points listed above. Individual data point scores were then multiplied by their respective weights, and the scores were added together, for a maximum possible score of 10 points.